Eye infections from make-up

[Just2MoreSeasons]

Can anyone help sign post me please?

I have at least a couple of eye infections per month. It's been going on for years!

I can get them using no make at all but should I ever wear mascara it's us guaranteed I'd have an infection within a couple of hours. Itchy, sore, and swollen. Lasts about 5 days.

It really gets me down that I can't ever wear eye makeup.

Who could help me get to the bottom of it- dermatologist, GP, optician?

NB/I have mentioned it at the optician (got told to put a warm compress over my eyes occasionally) and GP whose response was 'well don't wear make up then'.

How old is your mascara? My go to is wearing no make-up until it's cleared up and start a new mascara.

Is it definitely infection rather than reaction?

Your GP's response is wrong if you get these symptoms wearing no make-up.

Are you sure it's not allergic conjunctivitis?

Are you using the same mascara wand? If so likely got bacteria on it so throw away and start again. If not then may be contact dermatitis. It can suddenly develop. I suddenly developed it to nail glue 🤷‍♂️

You should throw out mascara after 3 months. I've had conjunctivitis before - no make up until it cleared, throw out mascara and use rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to sanitise all powder makeup. Also all brushes get a good wash (which you should every week or two anyway).

Sorry - should have said. I've tried 6 or 7 new mascaras over that time, but they've all been with no joy.
How would I know if it's contact dermatitis or conjunctivitis etc?
To be fair to the GP this was pre covid, so a good while ago, and at that point I only got it when wearing make up so that's what I told him. But it's widened since then I get eye issues even without wearing makeup for a month at a time

Do you wear any nail polish. Think how often you touch your eyes with your fingertips.

I do wear nail polish but I'd be supprised if it was that. I'm not particularly neat with it and will quite often get it in my skin near my nail but I don't have any trouble with that.

Your eyes a load more sensitive than your skin on your hands . But it’s worth doing without nail product a few days to rule it out ?

I got a nasty eye infection from swimming pool water a few years back , my optician sent me to A&E for treatment . So many possibles to rule out in a eye infection or irritation

Your saying you get infections. Do you have to use antibiotics to clear them up?

if you don’t use antibiotics, is it actually an allergy? Have you tried antihistamine eye drops?

you have sensitive eyes that don’t like make up.

there are wipes you can buy by Ocusoft for cleaning the eyes daily. Good for sensitive eyes prone to conjunctivitis/ allergies.

Not sure if it’s relevant but I have really sensitive skin & any time I’m allergic to a product it manifests in my eyes first. Recently I had a facial and they used a cream with hyraluronic acid - when i cleansed my face that night my eye got so itchy and I had a rash under my eye for a week after. I am consistently allergic to catrice Mascara. Just wondering if you’ve tried different brands and if it’s def mascara? I scaled back other products eg I only use la Roche posay and am much better. Hope you get sorted!

Might it be blepharitis? I suffer badly with this and have to practise v v good eye hygiene. Washing lids daily, I use disposable mascara brushes when I do wear it and lots of lubricating eye drops. Some days it is just unbearable though.

I'd first try to establish if it's actually an infection first rather than an allergy. The pharmacist can help you if you are symptomatic. I can't recall the last time I went to my GP for conjunctivitis. I used to get it a lot, along with recurring blepharitis and eczema around the eyes, but seem not to get it at all anymore which could be attributable to a couple of things. The pharmacy can give you what you need over the counter and offer advice if it is conjunctivitis.

Have you got a picture of what it looks like when there is a flare up?